Section 8 Ground 14: Antisocial Behaviour Evictions
Ground 14 lets a landlord seek possession where a tenant, someone living with them or a visitor has caused nuisance or annoyance, or used the home for illegal or immoral purposes.
It is a discretionary ground, so even if the behaviour is proved, the court decides whether eviction is reasonable.
General information about private renting in England, checked against the official sources listed below. It is not legal advice. If you have court papers, a bailiff date or a health risk at home, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice or a housing solicitor now.
Quick answer
| Type of ground | Discretionary: the court must also find eviction reasonable. |
|---|---|
| Notice period | None. Court proceedings can start as soon as the notice is served. |
| Who it covers | The tenant, anyone living in the home, and visitors. |
| Related ground | Ground 7A is mandatory and needs a conviction, court order or closure order. |
What counts as antisocial behaviour
Ground 14 covers conduct that has caused, or is capable of causing, nuisance or annoyance to anyone in the area, including the landlord or their agents. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changed the test from conduct “likely to cause” nuisance to conduct “capable of causing” it, which makes the ground easier for landlords to rely on.
It also covers a conviction for using the home for illegal or immoral purposes, or for an indictable offence committed in or near the property.
Typical examples are repeated loud noise late at night, threats or harassment of neighbours, drug dealing, and damage to shared areas. A one-off party or ordinary household noise is unlikely to be enough on its own.
How the court decides
Because Ground 14 is discretionary, the judge looks at the whole picture: how serious and how recent the behaviour was, its effect on neighbours, whether it has stopped, and the effect eviction would have on the tenant and their family, including children and anyone with a disability.
The court can refuse possession, make an outright order, or make a suspended order that lets the tenant stay as long as the behaviour does not happen again.
Ground 14 compared with Ground 7A
Ground 7A is the mandatory antisocial behaviour ground. It applies only where there is already a formal finding, such as a conviction for a serious offence, a breach of an injunction or criminal behaviour order, or a closure order. If one of those conditions is met, the court must order possession. Ground 14 is for cases without that kind of formal finding.
Worked example
Neighbours report loud music after midnight from a flat about once a week for three months, and two people are threatened on the stairs. The landlord sends two warning letters, then serves Form 3A on Ground 14 and starts proceedings the next week. At the hearing the tenant shows that the threats came from a former partner who has since left, and that the music has stopped. The judge finds the ground proved but makes a suspended order: the tenant can stay as long as there are no further incidents for two years.
What to do if you are accused
- Write down your side of each incident while it is fresh.
- Ask the landlord for the evidence they rely on.
- Get advice early; legal aid can be available when your home is at risk.
- If support needs are part of the problem, ask your council or GP for a letter.
Evidence that matters
- A dated log of incidents, with times, what happened and who was affected.
- Witness statements from neighbours, and any recordings or photos.
- Reports to the council, police incident numbers and warning letters.
- For tenants: evidence that problems were caused by someone else, have stopped, or are linked to a vulnerability that support could address.
The Evidence Log Builder turns notes into a timeline you can share with an adviser or the court.
Free template: Antisocial behaviour incident diary
Fill in the parts in [square brackets], then copy, download as a Word file or print. Each one shows a filled-in example first. These are general templates for England, not legal advice.
Antisocial behaviour incident diary
Keep a dated record of each incident. Landlords, neighbours and tenants can all use this format.
Antisocial behaviour incident diary
- Property: [Property address]
- Kept by: [Your name]
| Date and time | What happened | Who was involved | Witnesses | Reported to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Write each entry on the day. Stick to what you saw and heard.
Before you send it
- Facts are worth more than opinions.
- Record police and council reference numbers.
- If you are accused, keep your own record and get advice.
Checked against: GOV.UK: Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026 · GOV.UK: Assured periodic tenancies, a guide for landlords
Sources
These are the official and specialist pages this guide is checked against. Rules and forms change, so check the live page before you act.
Questions people ask
How much notice does Ground 14 need?
Under the current England private assured route, proceedings can start immediately after the notice, but a possession order cannot be made within the first 14 days. This does not permit the landlord to remove you personally. Seek advice promptly and preserve the allegations and supporting records.
Can I be evicted for my visitor’s behaviour?
Yes. Ground 14 covers the tenant, anyone living with them and visitors, but the court still decides whether eviction is reasonable. Keep a clear account of who was present, what is alleged and any steps taken afterwards. Messages, witness accounts and incident dates can help an adviser assess the allegations in context.
Is Ground 14 mandatory?
No. It is discretionary. Ground 7A is the mandatory antisocial behaviour ground and needs a conviction or court order. The grounds have different legal conditions, so read the notice carefully if both are listed. Gather the actual incident records and any relevant orders rather than assuming the heading determines the outcome.
What can I do if I receive a Ground 14 notice?
Get advice quickly, gather evidence about what happened, and do not ignore court papers. The court will weigh your circumstances. Make a dated account while events are fresh and keep potentially relevant messages or witness details. Follow any court deadlines even if you are also trying to resolve matters with neighbours or the landlord.
Does noise from normal family life count?
Ordinary household noise is unlikely to be enough on its own. Courts look at how serious, repeated and avoidable the behaviour was. Keep a factual diary of times, duration and what happened, including any attempts to resolve concerns. Avoid dismissing or exaggerating a complaint; an adviser needs the specific allegations and evidence.
Tools and guides that go with this
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